Hello,
Here is a preview of the next Project of the Month, the Victorian-Style Tree Ornaments (for Nov. 2010). This is to provide a few details beforehand so subscribers will have time to "gather" the materials, etc. if they want to do this project.
The Victorian Era is often looked upon with a wistful nostalgia. Fashion and decor were often ornate and eclectic, blending traditional and ornamental styles. In that spirit, this project features a set of twelve unique Christmas tree ornaments for you to enjoy or give away as gifts to friends and family. A carved ornament signed and dated by the maker will give loved ones a fond memory each year!
The project requires no special bits and all components are carved and cut out with just the two standard bits that came with your machine. Each ornament is about 3½" diameter.
Main items you will need:
1) The Project Files (included):
• Ornaments_1.mpc
• Ornaments_2.mpc
• Ornaments_3.mpc
2) Boards with the following dimensions:
Ornaments_1: 0.5" x 5.5" x 24"
Ornaments_2: 0.5" x 5.5" x 24"
Ornaments_3: 0.5" x 5.5" x 24”
NOTE: Do not use boards that are smaller than specified above, or if you are using a sled, you can subtract 7" from the length of the board and have the sled provide the extra 7" required). Make certain your boards are a TRUE ½" thick - boards less than a true ½" thickness will NOT work.
3) Sandpaper, wood stain and/or paint and clear finish, decorative ribbon to hang ornaments
4) A Dremel-type rotary tool with assorted sanding wheels and bits to sand small details and speed up preparation for finishing.
Here’s what I used on my Victorian-Style Ornaments made from Clear Pine:
• 3 coats of Bullseye SealCoat, sanding between coats
(thinned... 2 parts sealer/3 parts Denatured alcohol)
• 2 coats Bullseye SealCoat, straight from can
• spray primer (Krylon Ruddy Brown) then sanded
• spray gold paint (Krylon Metallic Brilliant Gold)
• brushed on Red Acrylic craft paint (then wiped off)
• buffed with clean, soft cloth